Buried Village Experience

The Buried Village

Where stories of the Tarawera Eruption come to life

Stories of survival and resilience are told throughout our museum exhibits and in over 1km of heritage excavations. Wander through our beautiful park where the people of Te Wairoa lived before the eruption which includes the Te Wairoa Stream and waterfall walk. Often described as peaceful and tranquil, the regeneration hides the scars of one of New Zealand’s deadliest disasters.

Run by four generations of the Smith Family for nearly 90 years, the Buried Village is one of Rotorua’s iconic tourist destinations and New Zealand’s most visited archeaological site. You can choose from a self-guided experience or ask our friendly team for guided tour times. There is even a treasure trail for the young and young at heart.

Enjoy a delicious bite to eat in our licensed café to finish off your experience with us.

Located 20 minutes from Rotorua’s CBD, take a picturesque drive through the lakes district, where you will find us just past Rotorua’s Blue and Green Lakes.